just an oak bench

dusk arising

 

stepping out onto the balcony
into glorious late October sunshine
below me autumnal hospital gardens
display their indifference
to my passing a while here

seeking solace in my surroundings
my hand falls upon a gnarled arm
of the bench beneath me
i enjoy the deep weathered tactile grain
at my fingertips

how many others before me
have sat here reflecting seeking peace
from the ward's hussle and bussle
i imagine i feel their presence
so many have contested the big C here

and then, stroking again the tactile grain
i'm wishing my positivity
into the hardwood itself
earnestly hoping the vibe will pass along
to enter all souls who follow here 

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Comments +

Comments7

  • Goldfinch60

    Wonderful write d a, I too have written about a bench in the past, I wonder what they have seen in their long lives.

    • dusk arising

      Thanks Goldfinch. Yes, I too thought this, both successes and the not so lucky will have placed their bums on that bench. I thought about the sad ones, for cancer does make some very sad, though its difficult to be cheerful when chemotherapy and radiotherapy are 'doing you in'. Wishing my positive outlook could be passed on.

    • Lamar Cole

      Good Poem

    • orchidee

      A fine write DA. In some Country Pastures/Park fairly near us, there are several benches, each one in memory of someone, or of a couple.

      • dusk arising

        Thank you for commenting Orchidee.

      • Fay Slimm.

        Your words fill a hospital bench with such evocative memories etched into its oak-heart my poet-friend. Rich with compassion those final lines end the verse with such empathy - - this goes to my favourites.

        • dusk arising

          Thank you Fay. I am honoured to be included into your fav's with this piece. I can't help but feel empathy with fellow sufferers of this terrible disease and the suffering we go through to be rid of it. Thank goodness for the milestones which cancer research has achieved, so many lifes saved these days whereas, when i was growing up, the very word seemed to be a death sentence.

        • Neville

          A moving post indeed... I would without hesitation reinforce and share the wish you have so clearly referred to...

          • dusk arising

            Thank you Neville. Yes, quietly there have been so many advances in all sorts of medical fields to conquer so many things which were impossible years ago. Though not without suffering for the likes of you and me as we battle through the treatment in positive faith.

            • Neville

              I am right there beside you... and truly...

            • Suresh

              hospital bench, unlike the ones in the park, witness a lot of sorrow. If they could, I feel certain, they would hug and comfort it's visitors.
              I wish you a successful treatment and a speedy recovery.
              Your poem is a journey of imagination.

              • dusk arising

                Thank you so much Suresh. I'm pleased those few words touched you.

              • Poetic Dan

                Wow, your words are enough! What a delightful ending. Thank you so much for sharing and sending all you do!

                Much peace and respect my friend

                • dusk arising

                  Thank you Dan. The poem recounts a few moments which inspired me to write such a simple piece. All from a weathered grainy arm on a bench.... maybe i was picking up the vibes left for me and others by a previous occupant making their journey through this life.



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